64-bit SAS on Microsoft Windows for x64 is compatible with SAS on Windows for 64-bit Itanium-based systems. These two environments are fully compatible, even if a file was created in SAS 9.1.3 and runs in SAS 9.2, or vice versa. CEDA (cross-environment data access) is generally not invoked. No data migration is required. The data representation for both operating environments is the same: WINDOWS_64. The data representation for Windows on a 32-bit platform is different: WINDOWS_32. You can find a SAS file's data representation by running the CONTENTS procedure on the file.

If you are uncertain about the environments, run some SAS code against the file and check the SAS log. In SAS 9.1.3 SP4 and later, a message prints to the SAS log automatically when CEDA is invoked. In previous releases, set MSGLEVEL=I to see the CEDA message.

If CEDA is not invoked, you will find virtually no restrictions on processing. Be aware of a few new SAS file features that are not supported in previous releases. In addition, changes and enhancements in SAS software can cause differences in processing.

For information about CEDA processing and restrictions, including a list of compatible data representations (where CEDA is not invoked), see the SAS Language Reference: Concepts. For a quick answer to compatibility questions, use the Compatibility Calculator in the Migration Focus Area on support.sas.com.

Under Windows for x64, it is possible to install and run 32-bit SAS 9. The processing and the SAS data files you create are 32-bit. Accessing these 32-bit SAS files from a 64-bit SAS session, or vice versa, causes CEDA to be invoked.

Operating System and Release Information

Product Family	Product	System	SAS Release
			Reported	Fixed*
SAS System	Base SAS	Microsoft® Windows® for 64-Bit Itanium-based Systems
		Microsoft® Windows® for x64

* For software releases that are not yet generally available, the Fixed Release is the software release in which the problem is planned to be fixed.

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This note covers SAS files that were created under Microsoft Windows for 64-bit Itanium-based systems, and processed under Windows for x64.

Type:	Usage Note
Priority:
Topic:	Data Management ==> Administration ==> Migration

Date Modified:	2009-05-06 16:04:56
Date Created:	2009-04-16 14:37:32